Life is Back to Normal

Sam returned last night! It is so good to have him back. I feel that life can now get back to normal. His mom is recovering wonderfully. She is able to manage her pain and has family members tag-teaming trips to Houston to take care of her. Sam and I bought her a robe for Chanukah and she absolutely loves it. Our only hope was to give her something that will make her recovery a little more comfortable.

Sam and I spent the day shopping for Chanukah gifts. We hit Macy's and Target and got the majority of our shopping done. Granted, most of the shopping was for each other, but even so, shopping is basically complete. We bought a gift for my parents, which should hopefully make them happy. All the rest of our Chanukah shopping can be done online (woo hoo - props for modern technology!!!).

This past week my job changed a little. I was originally hired for a new research project; however that project is not set to start until January or February at the latest. Due to the many changes that are taking place in my department (Hospice/Palliative Care), we lost two hospice social workers and the "higher ups" are forced to make some structural changes. I was asked to take on a case load of Hospice patients and will begin seeing them next week. Even though this is not what I was hired to do, I am happy to get the additional training and experience and am excited to have a patient load and something to do for the next month that actually benefits my department. I start informal training tomorrow.

In addition to the new job description, I have given myself a countdown to taking my licensing exam. I want to be licensed by the middle of January, just two weeks after my 29th birthday and prior to having business cards printed up for the new research project. I will spend the next few weeks studying and preparing for this exam. Unless something major happens and I forget all of my training, I will pass the exam and become a licensed social worker (LMSW). This is something that I have dreamed of for at least six years. To think that it is so close to fruition is exciting yet very scary. My life is based on long-term goals and this is the one goal that has gotten me through my BSW and my MSSW. Scary to think that it will be realized soon. Guess I'll have to set new long-term goals. I am happy to take recommendations, suggestions and advice as to those new aspirations. Anyone, anyone??

I do have one short-term goal and that is to spend more time working on this blog. This was supposed to be a more consistent journal of my struggles and successes as a social worker. I'll post more after my first day as a Hospice social worker. Hopefully I will follow through tomorrow...